At 18-years old, Carney Chukwuemeka has the potential to go far in football with his athleticism and exquisite passing range. Whilst his substitute appearances for Aston Villa have not left a strong impression on the fan base, it’s vital to place importance on time with the development of Chukwuemeka.
Not every player can transition so effortlessly from youth football to senior sides, with Carney showing for England’s Under-19s against Austria on Sunday that he has the range of abilities to one day conquer the men’s game. Nevertheless, with the young player having not yet signed a new contract with Aston Villa so far, it leaves the question whether his future lies at B6 or elsewhere.
During England Under 19’s 2-0 victory over Austria’s Under 19’s on Sunday, Carney Chukwuemeka highlighted his capabilities of being an all-around dangerous central midfielder. With a goal and an assist to his name, the 18-year-old left the field of play on fire as the young Three Lions aim to win the Under 19’s European Championships this summer in Slovakia. Portraying his power, skill and elegance in possession, Chukwuemeka left all questions of his footballing ability answered with an effortlessly impressive performance.
Personally, viewing the game through my claret and blue-tinted spectacles, whilst impressed with Carney’s all-around play, left me feeling even more frustrated that we haven’t been able to see this promise in the Premier League so far. With a total of 12 games played last season for Aston Villa with 2 starts, the Villa faithful whilst understanding of his development have been left wanting more from Carney in the heart of Gerrard’s midfield. As the Premier League continues to improve and consequently, increase in difficulty, there is no room for passiveness on the ball with Chukwuemeka not being able to portray his power. The solution, as seen in previous years with the development of Jacob Ramsey and Jack Grealish, is that surely a loan move would be beneficial for all parties in developing Carney into a modern-day player, ready and fit for the men’s professional game.
From David Beckham spending time on loan at Preston to Grealish at Notts County, Premier League talents spending time away in the lower Leagues can not just improve their footballing ability but their character equally. With research increasing in intensity every day in regards to phycology in sport, mental toughness and resilience can either make or break a footballer. With the experience of spending time away from Aston Villa temporarily, Carney Chukwuemeka can receive the best type of education for a footballer, regular first-team football.
The problem? With many European giants, including Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, rumoured to be interested in acquiring Chukwuemeka’s services and the player hesitant in signing a new contract, can Aston Villa persuade Carney to stay at B6? With the midfield area a competitive position for places in the first team, at 18-years old Chukwuemeka isn’t first in line for a starting position. Aston Villa’s ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens continues to improve the selection of players with Chukwuemeka falling further and further behind in Steven Gerrard’s pecking order.
Ultimately, whether it’s at Aston Villa or elsewhere, with a consistent run of games at a senior level Carney Chukwuemeka will undoubtedly grow into a fantastic player. The matter is as Aston Villa continue to aim for a return to European football, the club can not afford to take risks with young players like Chukwuemeka so soon into their development as they are not ready to immediately positively affect games. Unfortunately, as the days go by with no news of a renewed contract, I have become more accepting of the departure of Carney Chukwuemeka. Nevertheless, no matter the outcome, I fully believe that this is a name that will be known throughout English football for years to come, Carney Chukwuemeka.
Liam.
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